I don't know about that. I remember a VERY clear example of a shill bid on an AFM on eBay back in 2013 - had its own topic right here on Pinside. That one went for $8000, and nearly overnight, all AFMs went up to the $6000 - $8000 level. Will never forget it, pissed me off like nothing else as that was my dream theme for 17 years at that point. It was even uncovered to be a shill bid, and it still had a lasting effect.

Another thing that annoys me is people that put $2000 of mods on a game and expect to get it all back. I don't care how many $200 action figures someone glues onto a game with a single LED on it that comes on with the flashers....ColorDMD, PDI/Invisiglass, RD boards, and audio upgrades are a couple stand out examples. Buying a polar bear, installing an LED in it, and trying to sell it to me as part of your TAF for an extra $110 or whatever it is now = F off. Mods DO not add value (most).

Also, when the HELL did XF become a $3000 game? Same with T3. These games are MORE than BSD or Fish Tales ?!?!? Everyone get a BSD before some nutcase sells a routed/planked example for $4500 -___- ...

Yeah, but at least JJP builds quality games.

Stern can't stop taking things and upping the price.

What you want a shaker with your LE? Too bad.
Lockdown bar assembly? Nope.
Support beams for the PF? F that noise.
Latch assembly to hold the backbox in place? Pfft.
Interactive toys on the Pro edition?!?!?!? PA-lease.
Power switch in a logical spot??? Nope!
Want an LCD? Watch this $200 increase!

Got to save pennies while we charge you more!

Yeah, I mean, why wouldn't you want an already ghosting SW?

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/hey-stern-are-you-serious/page/125#post-3884710

Best way to end the madness and make Stern get their shit together is to stop buying them. But we all know that's just dreaming ; )...

I can see my quote was a bit unclear. Let me help with that:

Mods worth their money: ColorDMD, upgraded sound systems that actually make a difference, LED OCD Boards, any replacement Rottendog boards in the back, PDI/Invisiglass, side rails, shaker. Mods that really add to an experience.

Some games have very specific mods that add value: Bill Ung saucer mod for AFM, total rock concert for ACDC, LCD concert screen that replaces the "mechanical band" in ACDC, LCD mod for CFTBL, Bicycle girl strobe light from pinsider, Gnassel - those are GOOD mods.

Mods I couldn't care less for: some stupid ass action figure with an LED in it for $120+, an LED light for a scoop that's like $50, 75 difference mods on a TZ adding $3000 to the game "in value", 37 different mods on a TAF adding $2000 "in value", those lit speaker grill mods, underbody light up kits...I could go on, but hey, I think the point has been made.

Would you REALLY pay $3000 for this?

Stern-Terminator-3-Pinball-Machine-Super-Bright-LEDS-_57 (resized).jpg

Man, with all these action figures, they should ask like $5000!!!!

b124502c996eb1257c49f984c79ba48a329898d2 (resized).jpg

Holy cow, that RFM martian and saucer adds another $1500. And the tube girl from BBB? $1000 more!!!

501db64f978121e9177aa0c64e9e449e1d4251d7 (resized).jpg

More does not always mean better, and DEFINITELY does not mean more expen$ive. I'll pay less just to have to take the time to de-mod the game and actually make it worth something again. Prolly a bunch of half-ass hacked wiring in there too just to get those $85 LEDs to light up...